Marangu Route: Kilimanjaro’s “Coca-Cola” trail explained
Want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro but would rather sleep under a roof, on a mattress? Then look at the Marangu Route. People call it the “Coca-Cola Route” because it is popular and a little more comfortable. It is the only trail with huts instead of tents, so a lot of first-time trekkers pick it.
Before you pack your boots, here is what sets the Marangu Route apart, and how to tell if it suits your Kilimanjaro climb.
What is the Marangu Route?
Marangu is the oldest and best-known trail on Kilimanjaro. It comes at the summit from the southeast. Climbers like it for the simple logistics, the shorter trip and the hut-to-hut style, which no other route has.
Shorter does not mean easier, though. A quick ascent gives your body less time to acclimatize. That is why summit success rates are lower here than on longer trails like Lemosho or the Northern Circuit.
